Publication
Talking about postnatal depression (reprinted 2010)
| Contents: | Introduction What is post-natal depression Understanding post-natal depression What can I do? Getting help from others Friends and relatives The future Suggestions for reading |
Introduction
Having a baby is an important event in a woman's life. For what can seem like for ever, her body has been undergoing major changes and she may have experienced considerable discomfort or even ill-health while pregnant. When the baby is born, the woman becomes responsible for the well-being of a small vulnerable person, who has very immediate needs for care and attention.
We tend to assume that motherhood is joyful and rewarding, and that it will be easy enough to adjust to the arrival of a new baby. However, no matter how wanted the baby is, he or she will bring big changes to the mother's life?changes which can be disturbing or distressing. Many women find they go through a low patch shortly after they give birth, feeling tired and weepy. But these 'baby blues' generally only last a few days before women feel more themselves again.
For others, though, having a baby has a more serious and longer lasting effect. These women become depressed, confused or very anxious, and can't just 'snap out' of it. This reaction is known as post-natal depression, and can be very painful and upsetting for the woman herself, her partner and her children.
This leaflet is written for mothers who are going through this experience, and for their families and friends. It aims to provide some basic information about post-natal depression: what it feels like, the possible causes and the various sources of help available. It also contains references to other reading material and to organisations which can provide further information for those who want to know more.